The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH) in March launched the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), received $800K from Kaiser Permanente and awarded $2.06M for affordable housing.

DOH recently merged the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) and Property Owner Preservation (POP) program into ERAP, in order to meet new requirements for the $247M Colorado received as part of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus COVID Relief Deal. New procedures are required for all landlords and tenants through an updated website portal, while an expanded team of customer service administrators continue to work at a feverish pace to process a significant backlog of rental assistance applications.

“We face the immense task of processing applications for tens of thousands of Coloradans and we have the funds available,” said Deputy Director of Housing Wendy Hawthorne. “So now with our partners across the state, we have ramped up staffing to reduce the backlog and speed up processing time.”

Also in March, Kaiser Permanente awarded DOH $800K to provide additional Tenant Support Services (TSS) for new and existing supportive housing projects in Colorado. Supportive housing combines affordable community-based housing with access to flexible voluntary services to help extremely low-income individuals and families, a solution recently highlighted in the DOLA Making Homelessness History playbook.

“Kaiser has provided a much needed boost to our Tenant Supportive Services, which are an important part of our affordable housing provisions,” Hawthorne added. “We continue to find that holistic approaches to housing helps Coloradans be healthy and stable.”

DOLA awarded Southeast Health Group $889K to assist in construction of the First Street Apartments, a 12-unit Supportive Housing project in Lamar, Colorado. The one- and two-bedroom apartments will be modular units constructed offsite, and an on-site behavioral health case manager will provide access to optional supportive services for residents. First Street is open to individuals or families experiencing homelessness with incomes at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI.)

DOLA awarded Jefferson County Housing Authority $1.17M for Alison Village, a 100-unit development in Arvada, Colorado. Two buildings three and four stories in elevation will contain one- and two-bedroom apartments with a shared common area for fitness, bike repair, dog grooming and more. Alison Village is open to those with incomes between 30 and 70 percent of the AMI with 30 units restricted to those below 30 percent.

The State Housing Board and DOLA’s Division of Housing continue to support the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradoans. For complete information, visit cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board.

Denver, CO – January 29, 2021 – The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH) now offers a direct online application for the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), and awarded $1.2M through the Colorado State Housing Board (SHB) for affordable housing in January.

DOLA allocated more than $35M in state and federal relief funds to help prevent evictions and foreclosures in 2020 through its EHAP and Property Owner Preservation (POP) programs, for which demand has increased significantly. In January alone, Coloradans requested another $42M of assistance. In response, DOLA has created an application portal for homeowners and tenants to apply directly on DOH’s website.

“We are excited about program improvements we have made to POP and EHAP, including an administrative firm we have brought on to assist us and our partners with the high volume of applications,” said Director of Housing Alison George. “We served over 16,000 households in 2020 in response to the pandemic, and we already have nearly 14,000 requests in January.”

Also in January, DOLA awarded Artspace Projects, Inc. $650K to assist with construction of 30 new units of affordable rental housing in downtown Ridgway, Colorado. The Ridgeway Space project is a mix of 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments available to households with incomes averaged between 30 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The development is rent and income restricted for a minimum of 50 years to ensure long-term affordability in Ouray County.

DOLA awarded Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority $255K to expand their down payment assistance program to assist qualifying households in Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties. Borrowers will attend a HUD-approved homebuyer education class given by a certified housing counseling agency.  The Department also awarded NeighborWorks of Southern Colorado $290K for their down payment assistance program in Pueblo, which will provide DPA loans to households in that area. Both programs help families with incomes between 80 and 100 percent of the AMI.

“We understand the anxiety and frustration that comes with the struggle to pay your housing costs,” George added. “We are working tirelessly to try and support every Coloradan who needs help to remain stably housed.”

The State Housing Board and DOLA’s Division of Housing continue to support the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradoans. For complete information on Housing Board grant approvals, visit cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board. For complete information on DOH COVID-19 housing assistance, visit cdola.colorado.gov/rental-mortgage-assistance.

Denver, CO – The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH) has received $59 million in state COVID-19 housing relief, $1.74 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers (HUD-VASH) and awarded $6.41 million through the Colorado State Housing Board (SHB) for affordable housing in November and December.

Earlier this month, the Colorado legislature passed and Governor Jared Polis signed SB20B-002, which allocated $54 million for pandemic housing assistance programs previously created or expanded by federal Coronavirus Relief Funds. They include the Property Owner Preservation (POP) program, Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), youth homelessness programs, Left Behind Workers program, and Housing Counseling Assistance Program managed through Colorado Housing Connects. Another $5 million is for direct assistance to households that do not qualify for other state and federal resources.

“Federal housing assistance passed by Congress for pandemic relief will complement the special legislation passed by our state,” said DOLA Housing Director Alison George. “Together these resources will support our programs currently serving thousands of Coloradans, a number that is increasing each week.”

Additionally in December, DOH received 200 HUD-VASH vouchers totaling $1.74 million per year, to provide more Colorado veterans with immediate access to permanent housing.

DOH awarded the Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA) $900,000 to assist with the construction of Thrive, the second phase in the Sun Valley Redevelopment that includes 105 units of between three-and five-bedroom homes for families with incomes between 20 and 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Thirty of those are market-rate units. DOH also awarded DHA $700K for the GreenHaus portion of the Sun Valley Redevelopment, which includes another 79 affordable units.

The Division granted The Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Government $300,000 for continuation of their home improvement program (UMUT HIP) in Towaoc, Colorado, for renovation of between 10 and 18 homes with numerous health and safety problems.

DOH awarded BCR Management, Inc. a $3 million loan for construction of the 208-unit Draper Commons development in Colorado Springs. New studios, one-and two-bedroom apartments will be available to families and seniors with incomes at or below 30 to 70 percent of the AMI. The project’s intergenerational approach will help address the housing shortage for seniors living on low and fixed incomes.

The Division awarded the City of Lone Tree, Colorado on behalf of Koelbel & Company, $615,000 grant for the acquisition of RidgeGate Station Affordable Apartments, a new five-story apartment building that will consist of 67 units for families with incomes up to 80 percent of the AMI.

DOH granted Delta County Housing Authority $99,500 to rehabilitate three single-family rental properties to keep these affordable housing opportunities available for low-to-moderate income families in Delta County, Colorado.

In November, DOH awarded Montezuma County $800,000 for Calkins Commons in Cortez, Colorado, a rehabilitation project of 12 units and new construction of 15 units aimed at service families with incomes between 20 and 80 percent of the AMI.

“We are serving a wider range of Coloradans with housing support than ever before in our state’s history,” George added. “We are currently adding staff and improving infrastructure to make sure we meet needs effectively.”

The State Housing Board and DOLA’s Division of Housing continue to support the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradoans. For complete information on Housing Board grant approvals, visit cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board.

Denver, CO – Up to $19.65M in federal CARES Act funding for emergency rental assistance is now available to property owners on behalf of their tenants through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Division of Housing (DOH). In addition, the division awarded $3.27M through the Colorado State Housing Board (SHB) for affordable housing in July.

Applications are now open for landlords to apply for the Property Owner Preservation (POP) program on behalf of their residents impacted by COVID-19, which resides alongside the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP) for renters on the DOH website.

DOH awarded Bright Future Foundation (BFF) $660K to support the construction of Brighthouse Emergency Shelter in Gypsum, Colorado. The trauma-informed housing design will have space to shelter up to 22 individuals. Seven units will have kitchenettes and one will accommodate larger families. This project will also have a communal kitchen, common area and on-site counseling space.

The Division granted the City of Gunnison $1.2M to develop 4.3 acres of the 15-acre Lazy K property in Gunnison, Colorado into a combination of single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes for families with incomes 80 – 120 percent of the area median income (AMI), with two homes at market-rate. The Lazy K property will also include the West Gunnison Community Park, built with a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant received in early 2020. Lazy K will develop an early childhood education center in a later phase of the project.

Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS) was awarded $800K to assist with the construction of the second phase of Lamar Station Crossing in Lakewood, Colorado. Phase II consists of adding 65 units made up of studios, and one-,two-, and three-bedroom apartments for people with incomes between 20 and 80 percent of the AMI. Thirteen of the units are reserved for those in the two lowest AMIs.

The Housing Authority of the City and County of Denver (DHA) was granted $585K to assist with new construction of the 53-unit Shoshone development in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver. The three-story building of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments will be available to people between 20 and 80 percent of the AMI.

“Many Coloradans are facing housing challenges they didn’t face before the pandemic. Providing emergency rental and mortgage assistance is a top priority for the Division of Housing right now, as we try to support Coloradans impacted by COVID-19,” said DOLA Housing Director Alison George. “In addition to our continuing efforts to make sure affordable housing is available to those in need.” 

The State Housing Board and DOLA’s Division of Housing continue to support the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradoans. For complete information on Housing Board grant approvals, visit cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board.

______________________________________________________________________

El Departamento de Asuntos Locales destina $23 millones en fondos federales para asistencia de emergencia en pago de renta y viviendas asequibles en julio para Colorado 

Denver, Colorado – 30 de julio de 2020 – Actualmente, existe disponibilidad de hasta $19.65 millones del fondo federal de la Ley CARES en asistencia de emergencia para el pago de renta para los dueños de propiedades, en representación de sus inquilinos, a través de la División de la Vivienda (DOH, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Asuntos Locales de Colorado (DOLA, por sus siglas en inglés). Además, en el mes de julio, la división proporcionó $3.27 millones mediante el Consejo Estatal de la Vivienda de Colorado para viviendas asequibles. 

El proceso de solicitud se encuentra abierto para los propietarios que deseen solicitar fondos del programa de Conservación para Dueños de Propiedades (POP, por sus siglas en inglés), a nombre de sus inquilinos que se han visto impactados por la pandemia del COVID-19. El programa se realiza en conjunto con el Programa de Asistencia de Emergencia para la Vivienda (EHAP, por sus siglas en inglés) para inquilinos en el sitio web de la División de la Vivienda. 

La División de la Vivienda otorgó $660,000 a Bright Future Foundation para apoyar la construcción del refugio de emergencia de Brighthouse (Brighthouse Emergency Shelter) en Gypsum, Colorado. Las viviendas para víctimas de abuso y violencia, contará con espacio para refugiar a un máximo de 22 personas. Siete unidades estarán equipadas con cocina y una de ellas podrá recibir a familias más grandes. Este proyecto también tendrá una cocina comunitaria, un área común y un espacio para ofrecer servicios de asistencia en el lugar.

La división otorgó $1.2 millones a la Ciudad de Gunnison para transformar 4.3 acres de las 15 acres de la propiedad Lazy K de Gunnison, Colorado, en una combinación de diferentes tipos de viviendas (unifamiliares, dúplex y townhome) para familias con ingresos de entre un 80 y un 120 por ciento del ingreso medio del área (AMI, por sus siglas en inglés), además de dos viviendas al valor de mercado. Asimismo, la propiedad Lazy K incluirá a West Gunnison Community Park, construido gracias a una subvención de la organización Great Outdoors Colorado otorgada a principios del año 2020. Lazy K desarrollará un centro de educación temprana en una fase posterior del proyecto. 

La agencia Metro West Housing Solutions recibió $800,000 para asistir en la construcción de la segunda fase del complejo de apartamentos Lamar Station Crossing en Lakewood, Colorado. La fase II consiste en añadir 65 unidades de estudios, además de apartamentos de una, dos y tres habitaciones para las personas con ingresos de entre un 20 y un 80 por ciento del ingreso medio del área. Trece de las unidades se reservarán para personas que se encuentren en las dos categorías más bajas del índice del ingreso promedio del área.

La Autoridad de la Vivienda de la Ciudad y el Condado de Denver (DHA, por sus siglas en inglés) recibió $585,000 para ayudar en la nueva construcción del proyecto Shoshone de 53 unidades ubicado en el vecindario Highlands de Denver. El edificio de tres pisos con apartamentos de uno, dos y tres habitaciones estará disponible para las personas con ingresos de entre un 20 y un 80 por ciento del ingreso promedio del área. 

“Muchos habitantes de Colorado están enfrentando desafíos relacionados con la vivienda que no habían enfrentado antes de la pandemia. En este momento, la principal prioridad de la División de la Vivienda es la prestación de asistencia de emergencia para el pago de renta e hipoteca, para apoyar a los habitantes de Colorado que se han visto impactados por el COVID-19”, declaró la Directora de la Vivienda de DOLA, Alison George. “Además de nuestros esfuerzos continuos para garantizar que exista disponibilidad de viviendas asequibles para las personas necesitadas”. 

El Consejo Estatal de la Vivienda y la División de la Vivienda del Departamento de Asuntos Locales de Colorado continúan brindando apoyo para la creación de viviendas asequibles que sean accesibles y seguras para todos los habitantes de Colorado. Para obtener información detallada sobre la aprobación de subvenciones del Consejo de la Vivienda, consulte cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board.

Denver, CO – May 29, 2020 – Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) will allocate up to $275 million to local governments across the state from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CVRF), in an effort to reduce the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Congress mandated CVRF as part of the federal CARES Act under Title V. It allows local governments to receive reimbursements for necessary expenditures that were not accounted for in the most recent local government budget, that were incurred as of March 1st due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

“We understand that local governments in Colorado have been challenged like never before due to this pandemic,” said DOLA Executive Director Rick M. Garcia. “We are resolved to provide this crucial assistance in a quick and efficient manner to those who need it.”

Counties, municipalities and special districts have at least thirty days to opt in for CVRF funding through an application on the DOLA’s website, after June 3rd.

“Municipalities stepped up to protect their employees and help local businesses stay afloat,” said Kevin Bommer, Executive Director of the Colorado Municipal League (CML). “These funds will ensure their eligible, unbudgeted expenses can be reimbursed.”

Applicants are required to supply affirmations of spending, reporting, monitoring, and other federal stipulations. Counties and municipalities are required to collaborate on funding requests, and awards will be capped based on county geographic population.

“This funding is vital to helping local governments with COVID-19 expenses. Many thanks to the mindful and collaborative planning with our local government partners CML, Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI), CCAT and DOLA.  Many thanks to the dedicated work of DOLA and the Governor’s Office in allocating the funds to local governments,” said Ann Terry, Executive Director of the Special District Association.

DOLA will announce an expedited award process and guidance for participants in the coming days, once local governments have begun opting in. The goal is to see this financial assistance directly affect the communities where it is needed, quickly and effectively.

“A pandemic that is no fault of the residents of Colorado should not prevent them from their rightful services of their local governments,” said John Swartout, Executive Director of CCI. “And now it won’t.”

DOLA is responsible for strengthening Colorado’s local communities and building capacity by providing strategic training, research, technical assistance, and funding to localities. DOLA works in partnership with local governments and communities statewide to provide funding for projects and disaster recovery relief. For more, please visit: https://cdola.colorado.gov/about-dola.

Denver, CO – The effort to fight COVID-19 has created economic hardships that have put some Coloradans in a struggle to pay their rent.

Executive Order D2020 051 signed by Governor Jared Polis on April 30 placed a moratorium on evictions and late fees for failure to pay rent that will expire on May 30, unless it is extended. The same executive order grants the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Division of Housing (DOH) the authority to provide a template for renters and landlords to make payment arrangements, which may be initiated by either party to prevent late amounts from becoming immediately due when the moratorium expires.

“The rental moratorium for people impacted by the pandemic is not a free month of rent, it’s a measure to protect the economy while keeping people safer in their home,” said DOH Director Alison George. “At the property level, when tenants pay their rent, landlords can pay their mortgages, pay for maintenance, and pay the staff necessary to operate their properties.”

The MODEL Repayment Agreement for Tenants and Landlords resides on the DOH Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention website, along with other resources for Coloradans who need help in meeting their financial obligations for housing. Those who have accumulated past due rent are encouraged to take advantage of the MODEL Repayment Agreement template as soon as possible.

In the Governor’s previous executive order DOLA received $3 million in state emergency funds to assist with rental and mortgage assistance for families below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). The division has an interactive map on their website to help families find resources due to COVID-19.  Coloradans can also call 211 to find the resources that best meet their needs.

The MODEL repayment agreement is intended to help manage amounts due to keep people housed. Rental assistance may prevent families from getting too far behind in payments. These efforts are aimed at helping families across Colorado stay financially sound.

“If you can pay your rent, you should,” George said. “These are challenging times that really show just how interconnected we all are.”

DOLA’s Division of Housing is dedicated to the creation of affordable housing that is accessible, safe and secure for all Coloradans. For complete information on COVID-19 resources from DOH, visit: cdola.colorado.gov/housing-covid19

________________________________________________________________________

Departamento de Asuntos Locales ofrece un acuerdo modelo de pago para los inquilinos y arrendadores

Denver, CO – 20 de mayo de 2020 – Los esfuerzos para combatir el COVID-19 han creado dificultades económicas que complican el pago de la renta para algunos habitantes de Colorado.

La Orden Ejecutiva D2020 051, firmada por el Gobernador Jared Polis el 30 de abril, aplicó una moratoria a los desalojos y cargos por incumplimiento del pago de renta. La moratoria se expirará el 30 de mayo a no ser que se extienda. La misma orden ejecutiva le otorga a la División de Vivienda (DOH, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Asuntos Locales de Colorado (DOLA, por sus siglas en inglés) la autoridad de proveerles a los inquilinos y arrendadores un modelo de documento para hacer un acuerdo de pago, el cual lo puede iniciar cualquiera de las partes, con el fin de evitar que se tengan que pagar los montos atrasados inmediatamente cuando expire la moratoria de desalojos.  

“La moratoria de la renta para las personas impactadas por la pandemia no es un mes gratuito de la renta; es una medida para proteger a la economía mientras se mantiene a la población más segura en su casa”, dijo la directora de DOH, Alison George. “Al referirnos a las propiedades, cuando un inquilino paga su renta, los arrendadores pueden pagar su hipoteca, el mantenimiento y el personal necesario para administrar las propiedades”.

El Acuerdo Modelo de Pago entre los Inquilinos y Arrendadores se encuentra en la página web de la DOH acerca de la Prevención de los Desalojos y las Ejecuciones Hipotecarias, en conjunto con otros recursos para los habitantes de Colorado que necesiten ayuda para satisfacer sus obligaciones financieras relacionadas con la vivienda. Se insta a aquellas personas que hayan acumulado un monto de renta adeudada a aprovechar el Acuerdo Modelo de Pago lo antes posible.

De acuerdo con la anterior Orden Ejecutiva del gobernador, DOLA recibió $3 millones de fondos de emergencia del estado para brindar asistencia para la renta y las hipotecas a las familias que tienen ingresos por debajo del 50% del ingreso promedio en el área. DOH ofrece un mapa interactivo en su página web, con el fin de ayudar a las familia a buscar recursos, debido a la situación del COVID-19. Asimismo, los habitantes de Colorado pueden llamar a 211 para informarse de los recursos que mejor satisfagan sus necesidades.  

El acuerdo modelo de pago tiene el objetivo de ayudar a ambas partes a coordinar el pago de los montos adeudados para que las personas puedan permanecer en su hogar. La asistencia para el pago de la renta podría ayudar a las familias a no atrasarse tanto en sus pagos. Dichos esfuerzos tienen por objetivo ayudar a las familias en todo Colorado a conservar su seguridad financiera.

“Si puede pagar la renta, la debe pagar”, comentó George. “Estos son momentos difíciles que verdaderamente demuestran lo interconectados que estamos todos”.

La División de Vivienda de DOLA se enfoca en la creación de vivienda asequible, segura y protegida para toda la población de Colorado. Para mayor información acerca de los recursos que ofrece DOH durante la pandemia del COVID-19, le invitamos a consultar: cdola.colorado.gov/housing-covid19